Setting Up Interdisciplinary Model Links For Design Coordination Research Goals and Objectives -This workflow will present the steps to create interdisciplinary Revit files for coordinated design. This enables each discipline to control and share their own “live” model information while being able to reference other’s model information. (Since the Architecture Model will be integral to the development of all other linked files, a linkage from the Arch Model to the Structural Model will be demonstrated.) Process 1.Create Arch Model in Revit and place a test wall on the first floor. (This test wall, can be deleted later. It’s sole purpose is to confirm the link.) Save the file with appropriate naming convention.
2.Open a Blank Revit Structure file and save it with a good naming convention.
3.Be sure to have Floor Plan Level 1 as the active view before linking, then to link Arch Model – Select “Insert”, “Link Revit”, select Arch Model Name. In “Positioning:” dialogue box, select “Auto – Origin to Origin” and click “Open”. (This allows all linked models to properly and accurately align on a basic origin of 0,0,0.) Revit should automatically place the now linked Revit file. 4.To lock the position of the link, select the Arch Model and “Modify RVT Links” “Pin”. (This prevents the linked model from accidentally being moved.) The Arch Model should be locked in position.
5.Select the Arch Model, “Modify RVT Links”, “Manage Links”, “Revit”. Here you will see your linked Revit files. Keep Reference Type as “Overlay”. (This will prevent Revit from bringing in multiple instances of referenced files when the Structural Model is linked back into the Arch Model.) Select Path Type as “Absolute”. (This will cause the full path name to be displayed and the file should not be moved from its current place in the directory.) Select “OK” to set properties. 6.In this set up, links will be updated upon every opening of the Revit project. Updates of links after the project has been opened through, “Manage”, “Manage Links”, “Revit”, “Reload”. In this window links can also be “Unloaded” or “Removed”.
7.To add and manage multiple disciplines, repeat these steps. The models can also be inter-linked through this process.
8.Sometimes a model will not be visible, when it is first linked. This extra step is to adjust the viewing properties of the selected floor plan, so the user can have control of what is viewed. Right click on the plan, “Edit – Visibility/ Graphics Override”, “Revit Links”, “Display Settings”, “By Host View”, “Basics”, “By Linked View”. (In this manner, the user can choose to hide or show certain links when necessary.) Benefits- This system will allow each discipline to have sole ownership of their “live” information in a model, while still being able to have a reference of all parts of the building upon command. The divided model will make collision detection easier. Easy to show/hide multiple models on demand. Potential to minimize file size and increase speed/productivity.
Research Goals and Objectives - This workflow will present the steps to create interdisciplinary Revit files for coordinated design. This enables each discipline to control and share their own “live” model information while being able to reference other’s model information. (Since the Architecture Model will be integral to the development of all other linked files, a linkage from the Arch Model to the Structural Model will be demonstrated.)
Process
1. Create Arch Model in Revit and place a test wall on the first floor. (This test wall, can be deleted later. It’s sole purpose is to confirm the link.) Save the file with appropriate naming convention.
2. Open a Blank Revit Structure file and save it with a good naming convention.
3. Be sure to have Floor Plan Level 1 as the active view before linking, then to link Arch Model – Select “Insert”, “Link Revit”, select Arch Model Name. In “Positioning:” dialogue box, select “Auto – Origin to Origin” and click “Open”. (This allows all linked models to properly and accurately align on a basic origin of 0,0,0.) Revit should automatically place the now linked Revit file.
4. To lock the position of the link, select the Arch Model and “Modify RVT Links” “Pin”. (This prevents the linked model from accidentally being moved.) The Arch Model should be locked in position.
5. Select the Arch Model, “Modify RVT Links”, “Manage Links”, “Revit”. Here you will see your linked Revit files. Keep Reference Type as “Overlay”. (This will prevent Revit from bringing in multiple instances of referenced files when the Structural Model is linked back into the Arch Model.) Select Path Type as “Absolute”. (This will cause the full path name to be displayed and the file should not be moved from its current place in the directory.) Select “OK” to set properties.
6. In this set up, links will be updated upon every opening of the Revit project. Updates of links after the project has been opened through, “Manage”, “Manage Links”, “Revit”, “Reload”. In this window links can also be “Unloaded” or “Removed”.
7. To add and manage multiple disciplines, repeat these steps. The models can also be inter-linked through this process.
8. Sometimes a model will not be visible, when it is first linked. This extra step is to adjust the viewing properties of the selected floor plan, so the user can have control of what is viewed. Right click on the plan, “Edit – Visibility/ Graphics Override”, “Revit Links”, “Display Settings”, “By Host View”, “Basics”, “By Linked View”. (In this manner, the user can choose to hide or show certain links when necessary.)
Benefits- This system will allow each discipline to have sole ownership of their “live” information in a model, while still being able to have a reference of all parts of the building upon command. The divided model will make collision detection easier. Easy to show/hide multiple models on demand. Potential to minimize file size and increase speed/productivity.